Black Currant Pudding Food

BLACKCURRANT QUEEN OF PUDDINGS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4. Put the milk in a saucepan and bring to the boil with the vanilla seeds, sugar and lemon zest. Put the breadcrumbs in a large bowl, and pour over the hot milk. Leave to stand for 10 mins to cool slightly.
• Stir through the butter. Once melted, stir in the yolks. Divide between six ovenproof serving dishes and bake for 12 mins or until just set. Can be made a few hours ahead and chilled. Remove from the oven and spread the compote over the base.
• Put the egg whites in a tabletop mixer, or a large bowl with an electric whisk and start to whisk. Once the whites are holding their shape, add the vinegar and two-thirds of the sugar, give it 30 secs to work in, then add the remaining sugar and whisk until stiff peaks form. Spoon the mixture into piping bags with your choice of nozzle, then pipe between the dishes and bake for 10 mins until golden. Serve straight away.

QUEEN OF PUDDINGS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter six 1 1/2- to 1 3/4-cup oval gratin dishes; set aside.
• Bring milk, butter, 1/2 cup sugar, the zest, and salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Add bread; remove from heat. Let stand, stirring often, 30 minutes.
• Stir in yolks. Divide evenly among prepared dishes. Bake until just set, about 15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325 degrees.
• Heat jam in a small saucepan until thin. Spread over tops of puddings.
• Put egg whites and remaining 1/2 cup sugar into the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk until sugar has dissolved and whites are warm, about 2 minutes. Attach bowl to mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Beat on high speed until medium peaks form. Mound meringue over puddings, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
• Bake until meringue is golden all over and puddings are heated through, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

BLACK CURRANT PUDDING

Steps:

• Puree the black currants and strain. Stir the sugar and lemon juice into the puree.
• WDhip the cream until it holds its shape, then fold in the yogurt and black currant puree.
• Beat the egg whites and fold into the fruit mixture.
• Spoon into 4 glasses, chill for 30 minutes, decorate ewith mint sprigs and serve with crisp sweet cookies.